He joined the National Union of Dock Laborers and became an organizer in 1905. His methods were intense and led him to found the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union. This group’s goal was to unite all Irish workers, regardless of their skill level, into one strong group.

James Larkin, in his capacity at the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union (ITGWU), organized multiple strikes and work stoppages. One of the most famous was the 1913 Dublin lockout. This strike saw more than 100,000 workers participate for over 7 months. In the end they won their right to fair employment.

Many also see him as an Irish revolutionary in their fight for dependence from England. he severed the ties that bound Irish workers to English interests. The establishment of Irish labor movements was integral in the country’s long road to freedom.